Introduction

Introduction Virginia Wolf Click for larger view View full resolution From Doctor Who and The Revenge of the Cybermen by Terrance Dicks. Illustration by David Mann. © British Broadcasting Corporation, 1976 © Harlan Ellison, 1979, A Pinnacle Books, Inc. edition In the winter of 1981 the Quarterly devoted an issue to science fiction, edited by Margaret Esmonde. It seems timely to do another—both to honor Margaret's memory and to call attention once again to sf for children and adolescents. Science fiction receives little critical attention; science fiction for children and adolescents even less. And yet, as Margaret pointed out in that first sf issue, "science fiction—the literary response to the technological explosion—has become an increasingly significant sub-genre of children's literature." This special section attempts to address that significance, focusing on post-1950 sf. Accordingly, there are pieces about two classic sf writers, Chip Sullivan's praise for Heinlein's contemporaneousness and my own study of Norton as a feminist. Joseph Milner looks at the world views of Engdahl and Christopher, two very respected writers who write for adolescents. Then there is Janice Antczak's appraisal of Hoover, whose 1983 and 1984 books were both nominated for the Newbery. Finally, believing that the popular novel also has great significance—in our culture and to the novel as a genre—I also welcome Francis Molson's piece on the differences between the current Tom Swift series and earlier books about Tom Swift, and Michael Levy's on Doctor Who. I have learned a great deal in getting this issue together, and I am happy that I can share this knowledge with Quarterly readers. Insights about technology, race relations, sex roles, world views, possible futures, culture shock, sociology, big business, and much more are to be found here, suggesting the immense rewards of reading sf and the critical acumen of these particular readers.